Tost said on Wednesday the Faenza based team is not ready to name Ricciardo’s successor.

“We will look at all our options and make a decision at a later date, as there is no immediate need to rush,” he said.

But Austrian Tost seemed to play down Nasr’s chances by insisting that, when Dietrich Mateschitz bought Minardi in 2005, he wanted it to be “the final step” in the Red Bull driver development programme.

“Daniel’s move thus vindicates the work of the programme and also proves that we at Toro Rosso have given him a good racing education,” he said.

But although well prepared, Ricciardo may take some time to adjust to his new role alongside Sebastian Vettel at the world champion team.

Dr Helmut Marko said the 24-year-old will be given “three to five races” to get up to speed.